destinations Traveling As A Passion

[tomward]

you have a valid point there... some of my worst travel experience have been with relatives LOL.

 

Anyway in reply to John and what to visit in rome:

 

I can't really add anything much that you can't research about in travel guides about rome. But one thing is for sure rome cannot be explored in 2 days. I stayed there for a week and I wasn't able to finish everything.

 

If you arrive before wednesday, its good to visit the embassy to the vatican so you could get tickets to the audience with the pope.

 

DOn't walk around in shorts, sleeveless, shirts and slippers otherwise you wont get inside churches as they have a strict dress code.

 

The farther you go away from the vatican the cheaper the souvenirs are.

 

When going out to eat look at the awards at the door. They have awards every year for best food and if they a recent one posted at the door the food must be good. It doesn't have to be expensive to be good. prices could be seen at the menu at the door

 

Alot one day for the vatican museum. Truly a memorable experience. Its probably as big as the louvre and the collection is fantastic.

 

If you to go people watching and look for beautiful people, go to fontana di trevi

 

instead of buying a ticket for every trip, buy a 24 hour ticket or 3 day ticket...it is all inclusive, (bus, tram and metro)

 

have good walking shoes because most sites are "I piedi" accessible only on foot.

 

The outlet shops are near the pantheon area.

 

If you want a "tiangge" italian style its is best to look for the mercatino near ST. John the Lateran church during market day (thursday and sunday) Many bargains here especially quality italian shoes. The market is only open during those 2 days. Try buying franghelico (roman wine) only available locally. they dont export which is a disappointment.

 

 

That what I could remember, just read about the sites in travel guides but take your time in exploring the city. hope this helps.

[RiverJordan]

1. what would you consider your favorite city? why?

 

I wouldn't consider myself a seasoned traveller but I've been fortunate enough to have seen a few parts of the world.

My favourite city would have to be Paris, it's all too common when people say that this is their favourite travel destination probably because of it's history and not to mention it's beautiful architecture but that wasn't it for me. I have to say it's the overwhelming feeling of romance that I got while I was there, there is something that lingers in the air in Paris, in the narrow streets, the busy main streets, cafe's and just by standing on the footpath. It is where you would take the love of your life and just hold hands walking through the narrow cobbled streets, popping in and out of countless bakeries for pastries, not to mention the chocolatiers. You can't help but smile and you can't help but wished you can be in love forever as you sat on the Pont Notre Dame bridge watching the sun go down. Paris is also a city that I didn't care whether it was raining or if the sun was shining, I actually remember stepping out on to the balcony of the hotel to watch and listen to the rain. This city transports you almost to another dimension and I'm glad that I've had the opportunity to be there.

 

2. Where did you have the best shopping experience?

 

Bangkok - lot's of cheap things to be had in Bangkok, there is the night market Suan Lum Night Bazaar which is fantastic maze of pure shopping bliss on the cheap. There is also another market that lines near a river at night, I just can't think of the name but this market is more for the locals where you will find more cheap clothing, shoes etc - just don't expect them to be authentic. Mah Boon Krong (MBK) was one of my favourites, this place is huge and if you're a gadget freak then you will be as close to heaven on earth. You can still bargain stalls down but not the shopfronts, I think it may be something to do with the rent that they pay to be there so they don't have much room to move when it comes to lowering their prices.

 

3. Which place was the most culturally fulfilling for you?

 

I was going to say Greece but Macedonia is my choice only because this country wouldn't have made my top ten travel destinations 5 years ago but there is something old about this place that captures the imagination. It is probably the slow pace that has kept this country back a little from being modernized which in fairness is not such a bad thing. I got to experience a traditional Macedonian wedding which not a lot of people can actually say about themselves but luckily for me it only lasted one day and not the usual three.

Rome, Paris, Athens, Venice, Florence and Barcelona even Vienna are all as equally fulfilling given their cultural backgrounds and history but it's how you yourself define culture I suppose. I like the out of the way places, the places and people that the tourist don't often see. The not so glamorous and commercialised side of tourism. This is how you learn how people live, the hardships and how content they are with what they have.

 

As they say "when in rome (do as the romans do)"

 

4. Which place reminded you of your hometown?

 

Thailand, so far it's the closest asian country to the Philippines that I've been to.

 

5. Where are the most beautiful girls?

 

Philippines of course, no doubt about it.

 

Ok I decided to edit since you guys already know that Pinays are the most beautiful in the world. The second most beautiful women that I've seen are the Australian women. Aussie girls are down to earth and will talk to you, have a laugh even if you're just standing at the bar waiting to get served. Aussie girls especially those you meet during your travels are often quite smart, will engage you in long conversations and will generally make the effort to get to know you. It's also safe to say that they have a genuine interest in Sport. might even know more than you do..

 

6. Where are the wildest parties? (details pls)

Mykonos - this place is legendary when it comes to wild parties and debauchery with their day clubs at the beach. When they sell vodka's, you don't buy in glasses, you get them in buckets. Day clubs only open for a certain number of hours before closing shop to get ready for the night parties so everyone's mission is to get drunk as quickly as possible, go back to your hotel, sober up a little, have a shower, pass out and then go back out again. Oh and guys make sure that you work on your six packs (abs) before going there because there are a lot Italian's men that are perfectly chiseled that would try and steal your women. Or you could just go with the boys and steal their women. :thumbsupsmiley:

 

7. What is the cleanest?

 

Singapore and Vienna - damn these people are obsessive compulsive when it comes to cleanliness. If I really have to choose then I'd say Singapore.

 

8. What is the most eye opening experience you had?

 

One thing that comes to mind actually happened in Manila which I'm still quite saddened about but for the sake of keeping on topic, the most eye opening experience for me was when I stood close enough to see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre & when I first saw the Eifel Tower sparkle on my first night in Paris.

 

9. What Lessons did you learn in your travels?

 

That I'm an absolute fool for not doing it when I was younger.

 

10. WHo has the nicest people?

 

The Greeks

 

11. What is your worst travel experience?

 

It's really not fair to say it but taking the trek from Sydney -> Singapore -> Zurich -> Vienna - Skopje, Macedonia then another 3 hours cab ride to the hotel with no air-conditioning would have to take the prize.

 

12. What was your worst cultural mistake?

 

I didn't know at the time but blowing your nose in public apparently is offensive in France. :zorro: woops!

 

13. Which item did you bring was the most helpful

 

My PDA for some free wireless browsing.

14. Which city was the most dangerous?

 

I guess Bangkok is, depending on where you venture to. In saying that almost every place has an element of danger about it, you just have to be aware of your surroundings.

 

 

15. Of the places you've visited, if given a chance and money isn't a concern, where would you want to live and why?

 

Sorrento, Campania Southern Italy - why wouldn't I? - this place is absolutely gorgeous and the women are not so bad either. Or if I just want to live a life of solitude and my millions, I'd move to Tuscany and have a house in the countryside.

 

 

 

 

Damn tomward, that's a lot of questions! took me ages to answer them and I only answered them briefly.

Edited October 18, 2009 by RiverJordan

[tenneck13]

i like to go to the beaches!!!

to relax and have nothing to worry about ( no cell phones , no internets )

[kanski]

regarding rome, here are some tips that i'd like to share:

 

before going out for the day, ask your hotel for the nearest grocery and stock up on your necessities like water, tissue, etc. don't make the mistake of getting your supplies from the stores that are adjacent to the famous tourist destinations lest it's alright for you to pay 3.50 euros for a bottle of water (as opposed to just 1 euro).

 

there is a church in the middle of the tourist district (via del corso cor. via convertite) that caters primarily to filipinos. there are a number of our kababayans that hang out there specially on sundays and sell filipino food and delicacies. if you find yourself in rome for a prolonged period of time and has had enough of pasta and pizza, having a meal here is a good alternative. sorry, i can't remember the name of the parish. but a landmark is a bus terminal nearby in piazza di san silvestro.

 

and always be wary of strangers or risk your belongings getting stolen. i've had some friends who were victims here. one had his beltbag opened under his nose. and another had her purse snatched by a motorcycle riding couple as she crossed the street.

[johnrelova]

:thumbsupsmiley: the last couple of weeks, i've learned so much from just reading the entries on this thread. i think it's exciting to meet people who has a passion for travelling. the schengen states and the rest of europe seem to be the destination of choice for many of us here....hehehe..... and i think it's very interesting to know that some of us here have similar answers on the questions that tom had posted... cleanest city seems to be vienna... rome seems to be a common choice for a culturally fulfilling experience... and the most beautiful girls (outside of the Philippines, of course) seem to be Australians/Italians (I feel so much better now…whew).

 

Tom & kanski, thank u so much for the advices… I’ve cut and paste your advices in the "ROME" folder on my desktop. i hope u don't mind… hehehe…. :thumbsupsmiley:

[tomward]

regarding rome, here are some tips that i'd like to share:

 

before going out for the day, ask your hotel for the nearest grocery and stock up on your necessities like water, tissue, etc. don't make the mistake of getting your supplies from the stores that are adjacent to the famous tourist destinations lest it's alright for you to pay 3.50 euros for a bottle of water (as opposed to just 1 euro).

 

there is a church in the middle of the tourist district (via del corso cor. via convertite) that caters primarily to filipinos. there are a number of our kababayans that hang out there specially on sundays and sell filipino food and delicacies. if you find yourself in rome for a prolonged period of time and has had enough of pasta and pizza, having a meal here is a good alternative. sorry, i can't remember the name of the parish. but a landmark is a bus terminal nearby in piazza di san silvestro.

 

and always be wary of strangers or risk your belongings getting stolen. i've had some friends who were victims here. one had his beltbag opened under his nose. and another had her purse snatched by a motorcycle riding couple as she crossed the street.

 

"I was actually privileged to see a room under one of the Filipino churches in Rome. This isn't open for tourists and only the church has access here. Because we performed for the church they allowed us to see the room where St. Paul stayed when he was in rome"

 

I posted this a while back and this is in fact the very same church that kanski mentioned. Sa ilalim ng church na ito was the place where ST. Paul stayed when he was at rome. Problem is it was too small and too fragile to allow tourists in kaya mga pari and friends are allowed. About the dangers... better be careful talaga. dami snatchers here especially in train stations. The good thing here in rome is ang daming filipinos. Just say "kabayan" and these people are willing to go out of their way to help you around the city. Baka nga ilibre ka pa.

[kanski]

^

 

read that post of yours. just didn't think it was the same church. besides, i didn't know that st. paul used to stayed here. sayang, i would've taken more from my visit here besides the kakanin that i did.

 

just as john said, a thread like this is very informative for people like us who like to travel.

 

so john, i take it that you either haven't been to rome, or you've been there but haven't gotten around as extensively as you would've wanted.

 

that gives me an idea for 2 other questions that can be answered here: what's the place that you haven't been to that you would like visit the most? and, what's the place that you've already visited but wouldn't mind or would love to visit again?

 

personally, i'd love to go to egypt the most if given the chance. a close 2nd would be peru to visit machu pichu (correct spelling ba?). i haven't been to both still. just hope i get the funds and the opportunity one day.

 

for a return visit, i think paris is on the top of my list. in my view, paris is like rome- lots of iconic and historical landmarks to see, minus the grime. thus this might very well be my favorite city.

 

still on return visits, a close second would be the vatican because i missed seeing the sistine chapel. when i was in town, a congress of cardinals took place here after the death of pope john paul.

 

special mention should be given to london if only because i overslept on my last day here and i missed seeing the changing of the guards at buckingham palace.

 

that last entry reminded me of another culture shock i exprienced while travelling. we toured st. paul's cathedral in london on a sunday and chanced upon a mass that had just started. they were in the first reading when we decided to sit in and hear the rest of the service. as the homily came, we were surprised to see that the celebrator of the mass was actually a lady priest. it was just then that it dawned on me that the parishes in london belonged to the church of england and not the roman catholic church. yet we stayed on for the remainder of the mass.

[johnrelova]

Most of my recent travels were contentrated in North & Central America, Australia, Asia and the Middle East & North Africa. I've only visited 3 cities in europe... vienna (my favorite there), dusseldorf and amsterdam... all 3 only twice and only on business trips. of course, business trips for me are always mixed with pleasure. To visit Rome for two weeks is right there on top of my "bucket list" (being a roman catholic). I also wish I can find the opportunity to visit Seville, Spain (where my grandfather came from) and of course, paris and venice (I promised my GF that I'd take her there next year).

 

I'd also like to post my answer to this question: what's the place that you've already visited but wouldn't mind or would love to visit again?

There are actually 3 special places for me that I'd love to return to. The first and top most is a place that I'd like to tell u guys later on in this thread (because it's a sensitive issue for me... hehehe). It's the place where they have the BEST PARTIES, which I answered previously (you will be shocked if i tell u where THIS PLACE is!!!). The second place is Culiacan, Sinaloa because I'd love to visit a family there who have treated me with so much love and hospitality. And the third place is Bangkok, Thailand - because the last time i was there, i spent 5 days with this very sweet girl and during our last day together, she took me to her family's house and introduced me to her parents... it's been years, but i have this weird and odd feeling that i may have gotten her pregnant during the days that we were together... i dont know what i'm talking about... i just gotta make sure for myself that i'm wrong about my feeling.... hehehe. :hypocritesmiley:

[kanski]

^

 

john, still waiting for your story- the one that involves a sensitive issue.

[tomward]

12. What was your worst cultural mistake?

 

The worst cultural mistake I have ever done is to wear an "Inter Milan" shirt in Calabria, Italy. "Calcio" or football is a religion in italy. Fans there are very passionate about teh game. I was initiated into the world of football Italian style in my first trip to rome. While walking, fireworks suddenly lit the skies and a roar could be heard from almost the whole city. I asked what was happening and they told me that Lazio (Rome's team) scored against Inter Milan.

 

I caught the game later on TV and saw how Ronaldo destroyed Lazio's defense. Like a charging bull he faked, feinted, sliced his way across defenders and scored goals. I was mesmerized... this was poetry in motion. That began my love affair for the game. Immediately I looked for a Ronaldo jersey and proudly wore them... turns out to be a stupid idea in hindsight.

 

As we were saight seeing in Reggio di Calabria we decided to go around town wearing Inter Milan's jerseys. Little did we know that the owner of Juventus lives in Reggio Di calabria and since they had no team in Serie A people naturally supported Juventus here. AT this time both squads (inter and juventus) were battling it out for championship and tensions are high between supporters of both groups. On the street we heard jeers and catcalls. We received the "bull" sign (italy's version of the f#&k you bird) from passersby. They were young, old, women, men... all of them the... they hated us. A group of young men surrounded us and started harrassing us. They were jabbing their fingers in our shirt. I seriously thought were were gonna get beat up. One of the guys took off the shirt of my companion and claps could be head across the street. We took off our shirts and bought new ones That was a lesson learned the hard way... don't just wear jersey's in europe... you just might get your ass kicked.

[johnrelova]

^

 

john, still waiting for your story- the one that involves a sensitive issue.

 

Sorry kanski. I was travelling. Didn’t see ur post until now.

 

Here it is....

 

11. What is your worst travel experience?

 

I wasn’t gonna answer this coz its a little taboo for me to talk about it.. but what the hell. it doesn’t matter. My worst travel experience is GOING TO PRISON IN MEXICO. Too much partying in avenida revolucion tijuana had taken its toll on me and one day, i found myself inside the probably worst & most dangerous prison in mexico. The place is called La Pinta. Mexico calls it Centro de Rehabilitacion Social. But what it really is is a university of crimes. I came in with a degree in computer science and i came out of this place with a "masters degree in organized crimes". This is the place where the worst of the worst in mexico are imprisoned to serve their sentences. Funny how after the petty little mistake that i made, i ended up getting mixed up to live with these people. I was miserable in the beginning, but only for a few days...Going to this prison is just about the only answer i can give to the above question. But it also answers several other questions for me: What is your best travel experience? Where is the place you would love to go back to?? (on top of my list) Where do they have the best parties???

 

Yes, guys. This is the place where i experienced the best and most outrageous parties in my entire life. This is a city within a city. In La Pinta, they don’t lock u up inside cells with metal bars. They simply throw u inside a huge compound about the size of 8 city blocks and if u are a ‘malandrin’ (a low-life drug addict), you would ask one of the guards to lock u up inside the two large buildings where they have the cells for prisoners who can not afford to buy a ‘caraca’ (house). But fortunately for me, i managed to get a caraca just a few days after my arrival. And that’s where it all began for me. I started meeting all kinds of GODS AND LORDS here. From the petty drug donkeys of mexico to the rich & very powerful drug lords of different drug cartels of mexico and other south and central american countries... from leaders of kidnapping syndicates to the corrupt high officials of the mexican military and PGR (like FBI & DEA in US). These guys would throw parties everyday like there is no tomorrow... with all kinds of booze, pretty & decent women to serve u everyday and party with u, malandrins working as my messengers whenever i need something and all kinds of drugs and dope that u can think of and the prison guards in their payroll are out there to make sure that nobody bothers us. My friends here were running their business operations from within the prison by using cellular phones. And guess who learned to program and change the numbers on their cellular phones everyday so that they can not be traced??? Yes... it’s silly ole’ me. I earned more money here than I can ever earn in any corporation that i worked for. And because of all the money and all the protection and friendship that i earned from programming discreet numbers in their celfones, these ‘gods and lords’ of la pinta protected me and gave me everything i wanted. Some of the very best days in my life were actually spent here in this prison. I didn’t ever want to get out of there. But I had to. I had to make the right choices. I had to be a “good person” again. I’ve been given a chance by God to witness the darkest sides of human nature – and my choice after living through this experience was to live a normal and quiet life with a God-fearing family. Now, I’m probably living a boring life compared to the life that I had when I was in La Pinta. Somewhere in the back of my head, part of me still wants to go back to live the kind of life that I had when i was there. But i’ve already learned to accept the fact that it will never ever happen....

[kanski]

^

 

wow. don't know how to react to be honest with you.

 

on one hand, it's prison for heaven's sakes. lol.

 

but then again, the way you described it, it seems more like a country club with pay and much more perks. lol (laugh out louder ).

 

i now regret not going to tijuana when i was younger.

[tomward]

great story!! it could have been a movie. sorta reminds me of shawshank redemption

[johnrelova]

very true tom, and to be honest i actually wrote a journal during my days there and on the cover of my journal i wrote "Bonfire of the Gods"... hahaha, its the perfect title for what happened to me there... there's so much more i want to share about my experiences and adventure there... but unfortunately, this is not the right thread for my story.....

[wasiley]

kakainggit naman kayo mga sir dami nyo ng napuntahan samantalang ako eh asia pa lang hehe

for my experience naman po eh i travelled once alone then naulit kase na adik ako ang sarap kase hehe